How Thunderstorms Work

Whenever we see lightning, we assume that a thunderstorm is taking place. Thunderstorms can form anytime to create gusty winds, heavy rain and sometimes even hail. However, lightning is just one element of thunderstorms and one needs to explore the subject in depth to know how they work.

Defining Thunderstorms

When it comes to defining a thunderstorm, the most easy and common definition would be that thunderstorms are a meteorological phenomenon in which the air electricity discharges between clouds and the ground. This phenomenon usually takes place in the form or a lightning or thunder, which is accompanied by a thunder, high winds or heavy precipitation.

What Forms Thunderstorms?

Thunderstorms are generally formed with a lightning when the sunlight heats the ground making the warm air rise to form cumulus clouds. These clouds then get changed into cumulonimbus clouds. This formation of thunderstorm clouds is enhanced with an increase in the air humidity. Next, these clouds form positive electric charges, which are negative in the lower parts. When these charges are made, thunderstorms take place creating lightning strikes.

Three Stages Of Thunderstorms

After examining thunderstorms, experts have come to the conclusion that thunderstorms have three stages, namely; the cumulus stage, the mature stage and the dissipation stage. All these three stages together form a thunderstorm lifecycle.

1. The Cumulus Stage: The first stage or the cumulus stage is characterized by some noticeable factors. In this stage, the air starts being pushed upwards due to some strong forces like solar insulation. It is in this stage, that the thermal temperature causes the clouds to rise higher in the air.
2. The Mature Stage: Mature Stage or the second stage in the formation of thunderstorm, as the name suggests is about maturing of a thunderstorm. In this stage, the air can rise no further. During this stage of a thunderstorm, the clouds become heavier and combine with each other to freeze into ice particles.
3. The Dissipation Stage: The last stage or the dissipation stage is the strongest stage of the thunderstorm. In this stage, thunderstorms produce lightning. During this stage, the heat and air flow produces an updraft while the falling rain produces a downdraft. Moreover, it is in this stage, when the strong winds give rise to positive and negative charges to create lightning.

Some Other Facts:

• Every day, around 1800 thunderstorms take place across Earth.
• Thunderstorms usually take place in the spring and summer months during afternoon or in evening hours.
• Despite the fact that they are small in intensity, thunderstorms are dangerous and can kill more people than tornadoes. So it is better to stay indoors during a thunderstorm.
• Thunderstorms are extremely hot with temperatures of 30,000 to 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
• When lightning takes place in a thunderstorm, thunder sounds are generated over buildings, trees and hillsides.

Now that you have a good knowledge about thunderstorms; the next time you hear a thunderstorm you can appreciate the process that goes through which they are formed.